How Much Does an Ambulance Ride Cost?

An ambulance ride is most often the quickest way to get to the hospital in the case of an injury or serious illness such as a car accident or heart attack. The cost of an ambulance ride can depend upon the company, the miles driven, the reason you had to ride in one and if insurance is involved.

How much does an ambulance ride cost?

On average, an ambulance company is going to charge anywhere from $350 to as much as $2,000 for the trip. Depending on the company, some may charge additional fees for each mile driven. Ambulance services can be owned either by a private organization or a government entity.

Even with health insurance, an ambulance ride my not be covered 100 percent. Refer to your insurance documentation to see exactly what is covered. Some insurance policies have flat fees while others may say that you are only responsible for the deductible.

A basic ambulance ride to a hospital can cost a lot less than a paramedic unit. It will all depend on the call and situation. As you can see, the type of ambulance ride can affect the price.

According to an LaTimes.com article, a patient was billed more than $1,538 for her ambulance ride. This was after the insurance company had paid more than $750.

AberdeenNews.com claims that ambulance rides within the area of Aberdeen can vary anywhere from $550 to $1,000, but the most common charge for a ride is around $675. The least expense trip is one that is deemed as a non-emergency. On top of the standard fee, companies may also charge $12.50 per mile driven.

What are the extra costs?

If other medical equipment is used during an ambulance ride such as IVs, oxygen, back boards, or others, the cost can significantly rise. Advanced life support can cost even more.

Some companies charge a flat rate, while others have a rate and charge per each additional mile. The mileage rate can highly vary. Plan on spending at least $3 to $10 per mile driven.

What is going to be included?

An ambulance ride will include everything that you need in order to arrive at the hospital safely. This will include any medications, IVs and medical attention necessary. Once you arrive at the hospital, you will be taken directly the emergency room where you will get the proper care.

Tips to know:

When you do receive a bill from an ambulance, it will provide you an itemized sheet showcasing the price for each item. If you feel that you never had that treatment or you want to dispute the charges, be sure to call up the ambulance company or insurance company to set things straight.

Remember that you can refuse the service of an ambulance if healthy enough to do so. If you feel you have to go to the hospital, drive to one or have someone drive you to save the hundreds of dollars.

How can I save money?

Highly consider looking for an insurance policy. If you feel you cannot afford the policy right now, you will be even less likely to be able to afford any medical treatment necessary. One surgery alone can set you back $50,000! It is best to consider a high-deductible policy that can cost as little as $100 per month. Consider using services such as eHealthInsurance.com to find a policy in your area.

Many ambulance companies have a payment plan. If you pay up front in full, most of the time, they will usually offer a discount that is more than 40 percent. Each company will have its own policy, so be sure to call them and ask before paying the payment in full.

If you cannot afford the bill, talk with your local city as many have plans set up that can help those that meet certain income requirements.